This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/us/coronavirus-today.html

The article has changed 30 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
(1 day later)
This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
New York City expects to meet the state’s criteria in the first half of June to begin lifting restrictions, the mayor said.New York City expects to meet the state’s criteria in the first half of June to begin lifting restrictions, the mayor said.
At a meeting of the World Health Organization, China pledged $2 billion to fight the pandemic, while a top U.S. official criticized the organization.At a meeting of the World Health Organization, China pledged $2 billion to fight the pandemic, while a top U.S. official criticized the organization.
Three weeks after reopening, Iran, an early epicenter of the global pandemic, is being hit with a new surge in coronavirus cases.Three weeks after reopening, Iran, an early epicenter of the global pandemic, is being hit with a new surge in coronavirus cases.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.Get the latest updates here, plus maps and a tracker for U.S. metro areas.
We got an encouraging report on Monday about the first coronavirus vaccine to be tested in people, and not just in the lab. The manufacturer said the vaccine appeared to be safe and able to stimulate an immune response in a Phase 1 trial.We got an encouraging report on Monday about the first coronavirus vaccine to be tested in people, and not just in the lab. The manufacturer said the vaccine appeared to be safe and able to stimulate an immune response in a Phase 1 trial.
That doesn’t prove it works. It was a small trial — just eight people, all healthy volunteers between 18 and 55 — and the data hasn’t been shared publicly. Still, it would appear to be an important step in the right direction, one the world has been desperate to take.That doesn’t prove it works. It was a small trial — just eight people, all healthy volunteers between 18 and 55 — and the data hasn’t been shared publicly. Still, it would appear to be an important step in the right direction, one the world has been desperate to take.
A company called Moderna is collaborating on the vaccine with the agency led by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which has been leading the clinical trials (more are being conducted).A company called Moderna is collaborating on the vaccine with the agency led by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which has been leading the clinical trials (more are being conducted).
The company said the eight volunteers all produced at least as many virus-neutralizing antibodies as you would see in someone who recovered from Covid-19. That’s the point of a vaccine, to get the body to produce those antibodies without becoming sick. And when they were tested in the lab, Moderna said, the antibodies stopped the virus from replicating — another good sign.The company said the eight volunteers all produced at least as many virus-neutralizing antibodies as you would see in someone who recovered from Covid-19. That’s the point of a vaccine, to get the body to produce those antibodies without becoming sick. And when they were tested in the lab, Moderna said, the antibodies stopped the virus from replicating — another good sign.
It will take larger, longer studies to determine whether this vaccine can protect people from getting the virus in real-world conditions. It’s not even certain yet that antibodies can do that for this virus, or how long the protection might last.It will take larger, longer studies to determine whether this vaccine can protect people from getting the virus in real-world conditions. It’s not even certain yet that antibodies can do that for this virus, or how long the protection might last.
Moderna’s technology, involving genetic material called mRNA, is relatively new and has yet to produce an approved vaccine for any disease. Even so, the positive signs for this one thrilled Wall Street.Moderna’s technology, involving genetic material called mRNA, is relatively new and has yet to produce an approved vaccine for any disease. Even so, the positive signs for this one thrilled Wall Street.
Rivals are close behind: Dozens more companies and universities are also racing to develop coronavirus vaccines, and several have begun testing in human subjects, including Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech; the Chinese company CanSino Biologics; and Oxford University, working with AstraZeneca.Rivals are close behind: Dozens more companies and universities are also racing to develop coronavirus vaccines, and several have begun testing in human subjects, including Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech; the Chinese company CanSino Biologics; and Oxford University, working with AstraZeneca.
That’s good, experts say, because the world will need multiple vaccines from multiple manufacturers to meet the urgent need for billions of doses. Even so, there is widespread concern that all this haste could compromise safety: It usually takes several years, at least, to test a new vaccine thoroughly for unexpected problems.That’s good, experts say, because the world will need multiple vaccines from multiple manufacturers to meet the urgent need for billions of doses. Even so, there is widespread concern that all this haste could compromise safety: It usually takes several years, at least, to test a new vaccine thoroughly for unexpected problems.
The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.
Many doctors, nurses and emergency responders working on the front lines of the pandemic are struggling with mental health consequences that are likely to continue and could worsen, experts say, even when the numbers of new Covid-19 cases and deaths begin to wane.Many doctors, nurses and emergency responders working on the front lines of the pandemic are struggling with mental health consequences that are likely to continue and could worsen, experts say, even when the numbers of new Covid-19 cases and deaths begin to wane.
As the adrenaline from facing the first wave of infections wears off, medical workers may be left with the trauma of witnessing so much death and extreme illness. Recent international studies of health care workers who treated virus patients have found soaring rates of anxiety and insomnia, among other issues.As the adrenaline from facing the first wave of infections wears off, medical workers may be left with the trauma of witnessing so much death and extreme illness. Recent international studies of health care workers who treated virus patients have found soaring rates of anxiety and insomnia, among other issues.
“There is a wave of depression, letdown, true PTSD and a feeling of not caring any more that is coming,” said the chairman of the emergency department in one New Jersey hospital.“There is a wave of depression, letdown, true PTSD and a feeling of not caring any more that is coming,” said the chairman of the emergency department in one New Jersey hospital.
The other problems many health care workers face because of the pandemic — spouses who have lost jobs, children who now need home schooling, an end to socializing with colleagues after work — can make decompression nearly impossible. And there is no finish line in sight.The other problems many health care workers face because of the pandemic — spouses who have lost jobs, children who now need home schooling, an end to socializing with colleagues after work — can make decompression nearly impossible. And there is no finish line in sight.
Some medical workers are being offered specialized therapy meant to keep long-term psychological harm from taking root, and to help them keep doing their jobs effectively.Some medical workers are being offered specialized therapy meant to keep long-term psychological harm from taking root, and to help them keep doing their jobs effectively.
We know that having an underlying health issue like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease or chronic lung disease can make someone who contracts the virus much more likely to die or become severely ill.We know that having an underlying health issue like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease or chronic lung disease can make someone who contracts the virus much more likely to die or become severely ill.
Those conditions aren’t found uniformly everywhere. They are much more prevalent in some areas of the United States than others.Those conditions aren’t found uniformly everywhere. They are much more prevalent in some areas of the United States than others.
To help us understand which areas may be particularly vulnerable, PolicyMap, a company that analyzes local health data, created a health-risk index for The Times. The index uses C.D.C. data to estimate the share of people in each county who have at least one of the illnesses mentioned above.To help us understand which areas may be particularly vulnerable, PolicyMap, a company that analyzes local health data, created a health-risk index for The Times. The index uses C.D.C. data to estimate the share of people in each county who have at least one of the illnesses mentioned above.
Counties with health-risk indexes above the national average are shaded red on the map. They include large parts of the South and Appalachia, along with much of the Midwest and the Great Plains. In some, nearly half of all residents are estimated to be medically vulnerable.Counties with health-risk indexes above the national average are shaded red on the map. They include large parts of the South and Appalachia, along with much of the Midwest and the Great Plains. In some, nearly half of all residents are estimated to be medically vulnerable.
Many of those areas have not yet had a significant outbreak; if they do, it could be especially severe.Many of those areas have not yet had a significant outbreak; if they do, it could be especially severe.
Stores, bars and restaurants in Rome opened for the first time in 10 weeks, but it’s not business as usual.Stores, bars and restaurants in Rome opened for the first time in 10 weeks, but it’s not business as usual.
Thousands of autoworkers returned to work in Michigan, and two parts of the state will be allowed to open retail businesses, bars and restaurants with limited seating.Thousands of autoworkers returned to work in Michigan, and two parts of the state will be allowed to open retail businesses, bars and restaurants with limited seating.
In Connecticut, restaurants, offices, stores and hair salons that have put safety measures in place can reopen on Wednesday at half-capacity.In Connecticut, restaurants, offices, stores and hair salons that have put safety measures in place can reopen on Wednesday at half-capacity.
After two months of keeping out anyone who did not live or work there, the Florida Keys will reopen on June 1.After two months of keeping out anyone who did not live or work there, the Florida Keys will reopen on June 1.
Here’s a roundup of reopenings and remaining restrictions in all 50 states.Here’s a roundup of reopenings and remaining restrictions in all 50 states.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Time travel (mentally). Imagining the future — how you want to feel when the pandemic is over, for example — and recalling memories, both pleasant and painful, can help you build resilience in the face of adversity, according to Adam Grant, a psychologist.Time travel (mentally). Imagining the future — how you want to feel when the pandemic is over, for example — and recalling memories, both pleasant and painful, can help you build resilience in the face of adversity, according to Adam Grant, a psychologist.
Avoid burnout. It’s normal to have some feelings of futility in a time like this. To stay motivated, try breaking large goals into small, specific tasks, avoid perfectionism, and think about what you could do to help others.Avoid burnout. It’s normal to have some feelings of futility in a time like this. To stay motivated, try breaking large goals into small, specific tasks, avoid perfectionism, and think about what you could do to help others.
Give a fitting graduation gift. Recognize your 2020 graduate with a certificate good for a future experience, photos of cherished school memories, or a durable gift that can last a lifetime, like a cast-iron skillet.Give a fitting graduation gift. Recognize your 2020 graduate with a certificate good for a future experience, photos of cherished school memories, or a durable gift that can last a lifetime, like a cast-iron skillet.
President Trump said that, to ward off Covid-19, he had been taking hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug he has promoted that is of no demonstrated benefit against the coronavirus and can cause harmful side effects.President Trump said that, to ward off Covid-19, he had been taking hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug he has promoted that is of no demonstrated benefit against the coronavirus and can cause harmful side effects.
The economic downturn brought about by efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus could last until the “end of next year,” the chairman of the Federal Reserve said.The economic downturn brought about by efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus could last until the “end of next year,” the chairman of the Federal Reserve said.
A 14-year-old boy who tested positive for Covid-19 and was hospitalized with heart failure may help doctors understand a mysterious inflammatory syndrome believed to be linked to the virus.A 14-year-old boy who tested positive for Covid-19 and was hospitalized with heart failure may help doctors understand a mysterious inflammatory syndrome believed to be linked to the virus.
After the pandemic sent demand surging, the U.S. now has a bicycle shortage.After the pandemic sent demand surging, the U.S. now has a bicycle shortage.
Fourteen writers shared the simple pleasures that are bringing them joy in strange times, from plans that cancel themselves to homegrown scallions.Fourteen writers shared the simple pleasures that are bringing them joy in strange times, from plans that cancel themselves to homegrown scallions.
Need a job? You might consider becoming a contact tracer. Here’s what the job is like.Need a job? You might consider becoming a contact tracer. Here’s what the job is like.
What is a day in the life of a food delivery worker like now? “I feel like a hero.”What is a day in the life of a food delivery worker like now? “I feel like a hero.”
When my company mandated that everyone take at least a week of vacation, I created staycation postcards from Backyardia and sent them to all my friends and family. On the back, I jotted a note about how much fun I was having in Los Basementos and on Isle o’ Couch, and about my visit to West Porch. It was a fun and funny way to reach out to everyone and let them know that I was thinking about them.When my company mandated that everyone take at least a week of vacation, I created staycation postcards from Backyardia and sent them to all my friends and family. On the back, I jotted a note about how much fun I was having in Los Basementos and on Isle o’ Couch, and about my visit to West Porch. It was a fun and funny way to reach out to everyone and let them know that I was thinking about them.
— Emily Tuzson, Shaker Heights, Ohio— Emily Tuzson, Shaker Heights, Ohio
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
Sign up here to get the briefing by email.Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
Lara Takenaga, Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga, Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti helped write today’s newsletter.